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6 ways to prepare Thanksgiving turkey

Whether you are preparing for a crowd or setting the table for two, our Stir It Up! bloggers have a few new ideas for your Thanksgiving turkey.

3. Cider-braised turkey drumsticks and thighs

The Gourmand Mom
Fall-off-the-bone tender turkey with a delicious cider sauce.

By Amy Deline, The Gourmand Mom

Serves 4

8 slices bacon, chopped
2 turkey thighs, skin-0n, bone-in
2 turkey drumsticks, skin-on, bone-in
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup apple cider
2-3 cups chicken broth
Salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Pat the thighs and drumsticks dry with a paper towel. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the thighs and drumsticks.

3. In a large dutch oven pan, cook bacon over medium/medium-high heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.

4. Place the thighs and drumsticks in the pan in a single layer, skin side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the skin is nicely browned. Then flip the pieces and cook for about three minutes on the other side. Pour the cider and chicken broth over the chicken. (The liquids should come about halfway up the sides of the turkey, leaving the browned skin exposed.) Return the bacon to the pan.

5. Cover and place on the middle oven rack. Allow to cook for 90 minutes, undisturbed. Then, remove the cover and allow it to cook for 30 minutes more (to crisp up the skin and allow the sauce to reduce). Remove from the oven. Remove the turkey pieces and place on a platter. Pour the sauce into a measuring cup and allow it to cool for a few minutes. As it cools, the excess fat will rise to the surface. Use a spoon to remove the excess fat. Then, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, as desired.

Read the full post on Stir It Up!

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Mark Sappenfield
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